Mary L. "Mimi" Fitzgerald

Mary (“Mim” or “Mimi”) Leonard Fitzgerald, age 84, passed away peacefully at her Walpole, Massachusetts home on Saturday, November 4, 2023.  Born in Jamaica Plain on April 28, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Catherine (Crane) Leonard. 

Mimi attended Thomas Aquinas High School where she graduated in 1956.  After high school, Mimi graduated from Cardinal Cushing College where she received a degree in education, and she later earned a Master’s Degree in education (reading) from Boston College.  She worked as a reading teacher for many years in Boston and then in Walpole where she moved after her marriage to the late John (“Jack”) Francis Fitzgerald in 1968.  She worked tirelessly for many years to teach reading to young children. It was truly her love and passion, and she touched the lives of many. 

Mimi and Jack were married at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Jamaica Plain on July 27, 1968.  They made their home together in Walpole where they raised two children, John Francis Jr. and Mary Kate.  She had ten grandchildren – Conor and Owen Fitzgerald, and Michael, Will, Catherine, Helen, Jack, Clare, Mary Kate and Ellie Olohan – who she loved very much.  The children loved their grandmother who doted on them, and always had time to listen to their stories, read with them, play games, and find spots to share her wisdom. A hallmark of Mimi was her smile, good humor, and wit. 

Another hallmark was her quiet faith and her dedication to her family.  She was a devoted wife and mother.  She prayed daily for her children and grandchildren and enjoyed saying the family rosary.  Mimi was a loyal parishioner at St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Walpole for many years, and later in life enjoyed attending St. Catherine of Siena parish with her daughter Mary Kate and her family.

Mimi was also a longtime member of the Walpole Country Club.  As her late husband Jack would at times delicately point out, and Mimi acknowledged, she was not the strongest golfer at the Club, but she loved spending time with friends there.  She enjoyed people and was a friend to many, including her dear friend of 70 years, Jane Higgins, who was a loyal and faithful friend ever since their freshman year in high school.

Mimi is survived by her son John Francis Fitzgerald, Jr. and his wife, Kirsten of Bellingham and Mary Kate Olohan and her husband, Dan of Walpole, and her grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister Martha Moss of Dallas, Texas, and her brother Michael Leonard of Jamaica Plain.  She is predeceased by her brother Mathew Leonard of Dedham and Hugh Leonard of Roslindale.  Mimi is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A wake will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole, on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mimi’s memory may be made to The Home for Little Wanderers, 10 Guest Street, Boston MA 02135.